Wellness Program Implementation .

Armed with data, Wellness Program topic preferences, goals, and goals - and a Wellness Committee rearing to get things done - it is now time to decide how best to take action.  This website provides tools to help you!  

You can read about the different kinds of wellness programs offered by other businesses to get an idea of what may work for your business.  

If your planning phase was well executed, you should simply have to follow through with the plans you have already made.  

Important Wellness Program considerations include -  

1. Formally Introduce the Wellness Program and consider policy statements that state the importance of the wellness program.  Examples include a general policy regarding the commitment to employee health and safety in addition to specific policies such as No Tobacco use, Healthy Eating and Exercise.

2. Communicate Your Program -  the best planned program with great wellness programs will not be beneficial if your workers don’t know about it or don’t understand the choices or how to participate.  Communicate your wellness program using a variety of methods to ensure the message and “how-to’s” are heard!

Wellness Program Communication Strategies could include -

• Newsletter articles

• Postings on the corporation’s intranet or internet

• A designated Champion of the program

• Formal or informal meeting to announce program, “the kick-off”

• handouts / table tents,

• Bulletin boards / kiosk where all material is promoted or found,

• Email / phone messages,

• Mailings or distributions  

3. Use Wellness Program Incentives -   You will be amazed to find out what individuals  will do for a free T-shirt.  Incentives can both support and motivate participation among workers.  

Consider both formal or business incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Wellness Programs. Either way, it’s important to provide incentives that are attractive and meaningful to your staff members.

Business Structural or Formal Wellness Program Incentives -

• Discounts on employee health insurance premiums or co-pays, or contributions to 401K programs, employee stock choices, or other mechanisms.  Click here for more information on health plan incentive ideas

• Fitness Club/Fitness Club discounts or enrollment fee coverage

• Public transportation vouchers

• Flexible work time options

• “Wellness Days” off work  

Rewards/Prizes or Informal Wellness Program Incentives -

• Cash - a very effective incentive!

• Prize incentives such as gift certificates to heart healthy restaurants; music player to use while exercising, emergency kits, or any other prizes that would motivate your employees.

• T-Shirts, water bottles, or other cheap rewards

4. Assess community resources available to provide some wellness services.  The local health department or your company healthcare provider might  be able to assist you with this information.  There are also vendors throughout the State providing excellent wellness services for companies.  They are available to help you strategize and find the best choices available.

5. Implement your program as planned documenting information and outcomes as you go like numbers of participants, dates of activities, and any other special details you’re tracking.